Ignore your attic insulation, and it will cost you across the board with higher utility bills, increased strain on HVAC equipment, possible roof damage and compromising your home comfort with uneven cooling and heating.
A healthy attic, a healthy home
Before you venture up into the attic, remember that safety comes first. During the cooling months, attics may reach temperatures of 150 degrees. Let someone know you are going into the attic. Call an HVAC pro if you don’t feel comfortable.
Well-sealed attics with the right amount and type of ventilation are crucial to the integrity of your home’s structure and comfort. Extreme temperatures may lead to roof damage (ice dams during the heating months) if your attic is not properly insulated and ventilated.
Before adding attic insulation, you must seal air leaks. Install weatherstripping at the seam of the attic hatch. Look for dirty spots and discoloration on insulation – key indicators of air leaks. Inspect around any protrusions into the attic, such as light fixtures, wiring, vents and ductwork (check for ductwork leaks; then seal and insulate with duct-specific insulation for more energy savings).
Once your attic is thoroughly sealed, you can roll out the insulation (or blown-in loose fill). If you’ve never added insulation to your attic, it likely has the minimum insulation required by building codes. More insulation is better, and there's really no down side (other than cost) to erring on the side of too much.
Ventilate your attic
Attic ventilation is important for maintaining ideal temperatures. Take extra care not to cover vents at the eaves with insulation. An attic that is not properly ventilated can damage the roof, allow for excess temperature build-up in the attic, and lend to mold and mildew growth. Install an attic fan to help promote adequate circulation. Ventilation keeps your attic cooler during the cooling months, and it helps match outdoor temperatures during the heating months, something that's key to preventing ice dams and roof damage.
For more information about attic insulation and ventilation, contact Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning today. We serve homeowners in Fort Wayne and the surrounding area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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